Pig
Sus scrofa
At the Detroit Zoo
Oliver, a male Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, is a former pet who was donated to the Zoo in 2008. Betty Ann and Lula are female Gloucestershire old spot pigs who were born in 2009 in Lockport, NY. The pigs reside in the Zoo’s Barn with the miniature donkeys, Thoroughbred horses, Belted Galloway steer and other barnyard animals.
Description
Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs have black skin with scarce hair, short erect ears, short snouts and low abdomens. They have loose skin which gives them a wrinkly appearance.
Gloucestershire old spot pigs have broad, deep bodies and large ears. They are white with distinctive black spots.
Fun Facts
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All domestic pigs have curling tails, unlike their wild relatives who typically have straight tails.
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Pigs' skin is very sensitive to the sun. To stay cool and protect their skin, they wallow in the mud.
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Pigs have poor vision but excellent senses of smell and hearing.
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Pigs are very clean and will keep their toilet area far away from where they sleep and eat.